According to Velva Jenkins, Dean of Continuing Education and Workforce Development, Brunswick County is one of the fastest growing communities in North Carolina and the nation, and with that growth comes the need for more emergency responders, including firefighters.

To help meet the demand, Brunswick Community College is now helping students get started in a career with fire services before they graduate high school.

BCC started a new Firefighting Technology course on Jan. 29. Students ranging from 16 to 18 years old are eligible for the five-month course.

Occupational course of study students at Brunswick County Academy are on their way to sweet success.

For the nine students on the occupational course of study track, diploma requirements extend far beyond the classroom. About 900 hours of work experience must be completed in addition to regular coursework.

A student-based business is a requirement for the students, where they learn skills and strategies that will prepare them for “the real world,” Karen Babson, BCA school base chairperson, said.

According to enrollment statistics, the dropout rate for ninth through 12th grade students in 2006-2007 was 5.66 percent, or 213 students. This number is down eight students and .04 percent from 2005-2006.

In the 2006-2007 school year, the district had higher enrollment numbers than the previous year. While the number of students who dropped out is higher in 2006-2007 compared to 2005-2006, the percentage of dropouts is lower because of the higher enrollment.

The Continuing Education and Workforce Development Department at Brunswick Community College offers short-term programs and classes for self-improvement, cultural enrichment, and academic achievement geared towards adults seeking intellectual stimulation, community involvement and social interaction, according to the school.